Stories of the enormous bones began to spread east, told by explorers who had been to Big Bone as early as the mid-18th century. ​ This discovery captured the attention of many; founding father Thomas Jefferson among them. Along with the westward expansion, the population grew, and tourists began to arrive.

Stories of the enormous bones began to spread east, told by explorers who had been to Big Bone as early as the mid-18th century. ​ This discovery captured the attention of many; founding father Thomas Jefferson among them. Along with the westward expansion, the population grew, and tourists began to arrive.

The mineral-rich sulfur springs also became a great draw to Big Bone Lick. The need for a hotel was met when the Clay House opened circa [[1815]]. ​ As the [[big_bone_springs|springs]] gained notoriety, the resort’s popularity grew. Guests came to relax, bathe, and drink the beneficial waters of the springs, and to view the ancient fossils. ​ Sadly, fire destroyed the hotel in [[1845]].

The mineral-rich sulfur springs also became a great draw to Big Bone Lick. The need for a hotel was met when the Clay House opened circa [[1815]]. ​ As the [[big_bone_springs|springs]] gained notoriety, the resort’s popularity grew. Guests came to relax, bathe, and drink the beneficial waters of the springs, and to view the ancient fossils. ​ Sadly, fire destroyed the hotel in [[1845]].